Wide receiver tops Bears' needs in free agency, draft

Defensive end a close second, followed by help on offensive line

New Orleans' Marques Colston catches the ball for a touchdown in the second quarter against San Francisco. (Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Ranking the Bears' offseason needs for free agency and the draft.

1. Wide receiver. The compelling arguments to make defensive end Mario Williams the top target for general manager Phil Emery in free agency start with the fact the Giants won Super Bowl XLVI with a wave of pass rushers. It's a copycat league and pass rushers are in demand. But the Giants also triumphed with a receiving corps featuring Hakeem Nicks, Victor Cruz and Mario Manningham. At some point, coach Lovie Smith needs to make it work with what he has on defense and set out to upgrade the offense. Nicks and Cruz combined for 10 100-yard games in the regular season and four more in the postseason. The Bears had two all season and one was by Matt Forte, as much an indictment of the wide receivers as it is a compliment to his versatility.

2. Defensive end. Israel Idonije, 31, has been a multitalented performer for eight seasons and has excelled at everything he has been asked to do. But he's far from being a top-flight pass rusher and that has left Julius Peppers as the only real edge threat. If the Bears don't look to upgrade, they have to find a third end for the rotation, something that has escaped them for several seasons.

3. Offensive line. The idea is that two first-round draft picks will strengthen a group that has experience across the board. But Chris Williams will be a free agent following the season and Gabe Carimi played only 98 snaps before an injury ended his rookie season. Carimi should be back as the starter at right tackle, but more young talent is a good idea. It would be surprising if the Bears cut a market-setting deal with a free agent such as Carl Nicks because guards don't win Super Bowls. But a high draft pick makes sense.

4. Tight end. Never have Greg Olsen's skills been more touted than in the year he was traded. Ex-offensive coordinator Mike Martz picked a curious time to remove the position from the passing attack when tight ends were flourishing for so many teams. Because of the mismatches they can create, quality, pass-catching tight ends are essential to combat defenses intent on rushing the quarterback. But there is a thin crop of free agents after John Carlson, and draft prospects aren't too exciting or deep.

5. Cornerback. Make that cornerbacks. The Bears are in need of a starter opposite Charles Tillman and could consider bringing Tim Jennings back. They also might look for an upgrade. But depth is needed because Tillman and D.J. Moore are the only veterans remaining. A boost on the defensive line will go a long way toward helping the secondary.

6. Safety. Smith is high on Chris Conte and Major Wright, third-round picks the last two years, but based on the team's track record at the position, it's never a bad idea to be looking for the next player to add to the mix. At the minimum, Craig Steltz could be re-signed to add depth and experience.

7. Linebacker. In the not-too-distant future this position is going to require an overhaul. But with the Bears believing they are in contention in the NFC, there are too many more pressing needs to slide this up the chart. Still, a younger addition in free agency or a mid-round draft pick would be wise.

8. Running back. Until a long-term contract is cut with Forte, the offense could use another back. Plus, fresh legs would allow the team to part ways with Marion Barber, one of the free-agent duds from a year ago.

9. Quarterback. Just because it is at the bottom of this list doesn't mean the Bears will be in the not-so-capable hands of Caleb Hanie should disaster strike again. But those who have suggested the backup to Jay Cutler is a top priority for the offseason haven't taken very good inventory of the other positions. Josh McCown could return, or Emery could look for another well-traveled veteran. Remember, Cutler has a track record for durability and was injured 50 yards downfield attempting a tackle.